PAIR OF GRADE 2 RUNS THIS WEEKEND AT THE GREAT RACE PLACE
Santa Anita will play host to a pair of Grade 2 ties over the weekend, with the Palos Verdes S. (G2) getting things started on Saturday. Reigning Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Amazombie is all set to make his 2012 debut in this event for conditioner Bill Spawr. The superb six-year-old had a fine 2011 campaign, earning five wins from nine races and placing in each of the other four runs. The son of Northern Afleet is a four-time winner here and will keep Mike Smith in the saddle.
Euroears dominated this race last season, and while he’s been off form, the Bob Baffert trainee is plenty fast and could turn things around on this day. The surging Frumoius was a fine allowance winner last out and should be given a look for conditioner Jeff Bonde. The peaking Galientos, the talented Sway Away, Grade 1 victor M One Rifle and Ancient title S. (G1) third Mensa Heat make this a fine all-around field.
The $150,000 La Canada S. (G2) will be run on Sunday, the first in a series for four-year-old fillies. Unbeaten stakes vixen Tiz Flirtatious, the consistent Star Presence, dual Grade 3 speedster May Day Rose, allowance runner-up Miss Radiance, La Brea S. (G1) fifth Include Me Out and Raven Run S. (G2) champ Great Hot, top the list of those likely headed for this spot.
Sunday also hosts the $75,000 San Pedro S., while the $75,000 Megahertz S. will take place on the Saturday undercard.